Features of Conflict Resolution in Intercultural Couples

The aim of this study is to identify the stressors that form family conflicts in intercultural couples, as well as the selection of coping strategies of behavior used to overcome these conflicts. The study conducted semi-structured interviews with 7 intercultural and 7 monocultural couples to further compare stressors and coping strategies to resolve conflicts among the two groups of respondents. These interviews were analyzed using the method of condensation of meaning. Using a network and thematic coding system, stress factors and coping strategies were combined into categories and subcategories. A comparative analysis of monocultural and intercultural couples identified 10 unique stressors for intercultural families: attitude to the status of women, traditions and customs, language, religion, eating, social norms, attitude to work, appearance, attitude to friends and views on the family. The results showed that intercultural couples use strategies to overcome family stressors, which can be caused or exacerbated by cultural differences. It identifies six broad strategies of coping behavior: a conversation and a search of the motives of the wife, concealment, shifting attention, flexibility of gender roles, tolerance to the behavioral characteristics of the partner and acceptance of cultural diversity partners. This study can be used in psychotherapeutic counseling, in the preparation of group cross-cultural training, as well as in schools and colleges in the preparation of classes related to the preparation of young people for family life.